Emma Raducanu gets real after disastrous 15 double fault-serving display in Australian Open 1R

Emma Raducanu committed 15 double faults but managed to win against 26th-seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open. The Brit acknowledged she was unsure of what she changed in her service game causing many unforced errors.

Raducanu kicked off her Australian Open campaign on Tuesday, January 14, with a 7-6(4), 7-6(2) victory over Russia's Alexandrova. Despite the win, the 22-year-old struggled with 15 double faults. Reflecting on that aspect of her performance during the post-match press conference, she shared:

"I mean honestly, I’m not sure what I changed in my serve today. I think it had a mind of its own [laughing]. So, I will be sure to reflect and look at that and come back to you."

Further, she also acknowledged that the early-round nerves may have contributed to her costly double faults.

"The amount of double faults is uncomfortable, for sure. But it is something I had to accept. I'm working on my serve and part of it came with first-round nerves," Emma Raducanu said.

Raducanu is chasing her first Australian Open third round this year after failing to cross the second-round barrier in her past three main draw appearances.

The Brit has faced a tough time in Grand Slam events since winning her first and only title, the 2021 US Open. She has been ousted in the first two rounds in seven of her past eight Majors. Her only second-week run at a Grand Slam since 2022 came at Wimbledon last year.

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Emma Raducanu will face Amanda Anisimova in the Australian Open 2025 2R

Emma Raducanu at the 2025 Australian Open - Source: Getty

In the second round of the 2025 Australian Open, Emma Raducanu will take on her friend Amanda Anisimova. This will be the pair's first encounter on tour.

Speaking about the battle during her post-match press conference, Raducanu acknowledged her opponent's prowess.

"I know she's a big ball striker. She hits the ball really hard. I’ve practiced with her a couple of times, and yeah, she likes to dictate. So, I think it’s going to be a big challenge for me, of course. She’s had some amazing results as well; she broke out really early. I’m looking forward to going out there and testing my game, seeing where I’m at."

Anisimova got the better of Argentina's María Lourdes Carlé in the first round 6-2, 6-3. The American reached the fourth round in Melbourne last year and would hope to go further this time.